The Smarter Future Award takes place every month, supporting young entrepreneurs who are working on innovative solutions aimed at meeting the energy and resource needs of the growing population. The winner is awarded £5,000 to develop their idea.

OOZE Drinks began in 2015, when Giuseppe entered the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) Student Design Awards, which tasked entrants with finding innovative ways to reduce food waste. After finishing college and starting his degree at Ravensbourne, he and his business partner continued to develop the company, which reduces waste by saving misshapen and surplus fruits and transforming them into sustainable drinks.

Commenting, Giuseppe Baidoo, BA (Hons) Design Products student said: “I'm thrilled we were able to win the competition. I have to say thank you to my tutors at Ravensbourne because they supported me through the process. The product design course at Ravensbourne gave me a lot of inspiration in creating the image for my company. My tutors gave me advice on packaging - that was really useful because I was able to design a really strong brand that stands out on the shelf.”

Nadine Bennett, BA (Hons) Design Products Co-Course Leader added: “I’m always pleased when there is an opportunity to support one of our students setting up a business and progressing in the industry. Giuseppe has worked incredibly hard on this project and it's great to see his vision and determination paying off. The Smarter Future Award will help take his idea to the next stage which is what it’s all about; getting innovative ideas which can make a positive difference in the world off the ground.”